Want to run next year's Dublin Marathon? What you need to know when the ballot opens tomorrow

FOR THOSE WHO didn’t run in this year’s Dublin Marathon, it felt like everyone else in the world was out pounding the pavements around the city and its suburbs.

Seeing so many impressive times and shiny medals on social media might have inspired widespread FOM’ around Ireland, and as the processes for next year’s event begin, there is an ever-growing batch of hopefuls looking to get on the starting line in 2027.

With the entry ballot for next year’s Dublin Marathon opening up on Thursday, here’s everything you need to know to have a chance of getting a place in the race, whether you’re a veteran runner or a total beginner.

When is the 2027 Dublin Marathon? The 2027 Irish Life Dublin Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday 24 October. That should give you plenty of time to get ready!

When is the ballot open? The ballot for places in the Dublin Marathon will open at 9am on Thursday 12 November and close at midnight on Tuesday 17 November.

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How much does it cost to enter the ballot? There is a €4 entry fee. In a change from last year, the ballot fee will be refundable for unsuccessful applicants, and will be offset against the cost of the marathon for those who succeed in getting an entry.

Why is there a ballot? The entry ballot was introduced for last year’s Dublin Marathon to strike a fairer balance between first-time runners and veterans of the 26.2-mile distance.

How many people will get an entry? There are 17,200 general entry places available, the same as in 2026, making up most of the 22,500-strong field.

The other 5,000 tickets are distributed to elite athletes, official charity entrants, elite age group runners, community programme members, or through sponsor allocations and official international tour operators.

What are the chances of getting an entry? Last year, just over one in three applicants were successful, as 47,000 people signed up for the ballot. However, it could prove to be even more competitive this year, so be warned.

When will I find out if I got a place? Applicants will hear back about whether they were successful or not on Wednesday 25 November. The remaining balance for successful candidates will be charged to their cards between 1-3 December.

How much does it cost to enter the marathon? Well, your €4 ballot fee won’t go too far, as the cost of entering the Dublin marathon has increased to €130 (plus booking fees) this year, the first increase in five years.

If I don’t get a spot this way, is that the end of the road? No. There is an official transfer window for people who can no longer make use of their entry. This year, transfers took place between late July and late September, and it’s vital that you do it via the proper channels, as wearing someone else’s number could lead to disqualification on race day.

If you’re lucky enough to get a transfer spot, then you’d better make use of it. There is an additional €20 transfer fee for recipients, and each spot can only be transferred once.

People can also buy resale tickets on a first-come-first-served basis on Wednesday 14 July 2027, but that will be limited to people applying for official partial refunds.

What other races have been announced? If you miss out on a spot in the Dublin Marathon, then you might still be interested in some sort of mass-participation event. And even if you do get an entry, you might want to have a dry run at a big race. 

Entries for the Irish Life Race Series events will open on 10 February 2027. This includes the Fingal 10k held in Swords, and the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and the Dublin Half Marathon, both held in the Phoenix Park.

These events will cost €35, €40 and €55 respectively, while a bundle of all three races can be purchased for €120.